Bus driver accused of having sex with a minor

Officials: Putnam County driver had multiple encounters with 17-year-old student

A Putnam County school bus driver was arrested Wednesday, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old Palatka High School student.

Earlier that day, a Putnam County Sheriff's Office school resource officer met with a student who reported that his friend was involved in a sexual relationship with the school bus driver. The student also reported being present and witnessing his friend and the driver having sex on one occasion.

According to a police report, the student who reported the sexual relationship was in the principal's office Wednesday because he had been given a referral while on the bus that morning.

As police learned more details, they discovered that some of the encounters possibly took place within the jurisdiction of the Palatka Police Department. Putnam County and Palatka investigators said they met with the alleged victim, who provided details of his sexual encounters with the driver.

"It appears that they did have a relationship," said Capt. Johnny Greenwood, of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. "I don't know how long a period of time it did go, but it does sound like from the information that's been gathered so far that there was a relationship between the two."

According to Sheriff's Office, Kiki Algeria Hamilton-White, 36, and the teen had sexual contact on multiple occasions. Deputies said it does not appear that any of the incidents took place on a school bus or on Putnam County School District property.

The student who reported the relationship told the Sheriff's Office the encounters happened on the north side near Booker Park and by his house in East Palatka.

Palatka police said the two also had sex at Hamilton-White's house and at a hotel.

The news concerns parent Steve Horvatt Jr., whose wife is also a school bus driver.

"That should not be permitted," Horvatt said. "A bus driver, teacher, administrator, they do hold positions for trust with these children that their titles are education."

After investigators met with and interviewed Hamilton-White, she was arrested and booked into the Putnam County Jail on four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Palatka police also charged her with two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Hamilton-White's bail was set at $15,024, and she posted bond and was released Wednesday night.

Hamilton-White and her family members didn't want to comment.

Authorities said additional charges are pending.

Hamilton-White, a school district employee since 2007, has been placed on administrative leave with pay by the school district pending the investigation. There were no other incidents are in her personnel file.

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